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Pentagon probes crash by 'experienced' Black Hawk crew, stops flights

The U.S. Army helicopter involved in an over night collision with a guest jet near Washington involved a relatively knowledgeable team that was operating with night vision safety glasses, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Thursday, as the Pentagon purchased a 48hour time out in flying for the system associated with the crash. A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter hit an American Airlines guest jet on Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River. The military helicopter was on a training flight, but it is uncertain what caused the crash. Authorities have said there were no survivors.

In a video declaration, Hegseth stated that the crew of three soldiers was on an annual proficiency training flight.

We prepare for that the examination will quickly be able to determine whether

the aircraft

was in the passage and at the ideal elevation at the time of the incident, Hegseth said.

The helicopter from the 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, would be grounded for 2 days, Hegseth said. The unit is accountable for helicopter flights in the Washington D.C. location.

Reuters was first to report on the functional pause.

One official said that other helicopters, like those from the National Guard, will still be allowed to help in healing efforts, the official included.

Military helicopters are a common sight around the U.S. capital region that is home to various military bases. It is not unusual for the military to order pauses after accidents or crashes.

(source: Reuters)